Hampstead is home to the popular and delicious Spot Festival, an event packed full of food, fun, amusement rides, and local art. In this section, we also included events at Popular Grove Plantation because they are a neighbor attraction to Hampstead. For other nearby annual events and daily attractions, be sure to explore the Topsail Island and Wilmington Annual Events sites.

January 1, 2012.  Start the new year off with a big splash at the annual Dolphin Dip. Join thousands of hearty souls as they make the mad dash to the water for a quick and very exhilarating dip in the Atlantic.  Dress up, paint your face, wear a wig- get into it,...read more

March 24-25, 2012. Historic Poplar Grove Plantation welcomes the start of spring with its popular Herb & Garden Fair. This is the perfect time to gather information and inspiration on topics like vegetable gardening, herbs, cooking, composting, flower arranging and birds. For more information on their fun and educational workshops, contact...read more

April 30, 2012. Enjoy an afternoon of great brew and music at The Hops of Spring Beer Festival. The highlight of this fest is the sweet ambrosia produced by eight North Carolina microbreweries and music by Bald Fury. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy the afternoon. The tasting begins at...read more

April 6-December 14, 2012.  The Farmers’ Market at Poplar Grove is open every Wednesday from 8 AM to 1 PM. The Farmers’ Market provides a retail outlet for local growers and producers to sell their goods directly to the public. There is a large variety of vendors offering fresh eggs, herbs,...read more

April 6-December 14, 2012.  The Farmers’ Market at Poplar Grove is open every Wednesday from 8 AM to 1 PM. The Farmers’ Market provides a retail outlet for local growers and producers to sell their goods directly to the public. There is a large variety of vendors offering fresh eggs, herbs,...read more

April 6-December 14, 2012.  The Farmers’ Market at Poplar Grove is open every Wednesday from 8 AM to 1 PM. The Farmers’ Market provides a retail outlet for local growers and producers to sell their goods directly to the public. There is a large variety of vendors offering fresh eggs, herbs,...read more

July 14, 2012. Rated one of the top 20 events in the southeastern United States by the Southeast Tourism Society, this memorable car show takes place under massive, old shade trees in historic Poplar Grove Plantation. Cars and trucks 1985 and older, compete for top awards. A Country Flea Market covers...read more

April 6-December 14, 2012.  The Farmers’ Market at Poplar Grove is open every Wednesday from 8 AM to 1 PM. The Farmers’ Market provides a retail outlet for local growers and producers to sell their goods directly to the public. There is a large variety of vendors offering fresh eggs, herbs,...read more

July 4, 2012. The Holly Ridge Municipality Park on Sound Road is a wonderful setting for the annual fireworks display. Beginning at 6:00 PM, children can enjoy the playground equipment while waiting for the fireworks, and the spacious grounds allow room to spread a blanket for an old-fashioned picnic supper. Bring...read more

July 4, 2012. Feel the thunderous boom of the launch pad on the spoil island adjacent to the bridge as you jam and dance to local bands in Surf City's gorgeous soundside park.  Sit on a boat in the Intracoastal Waterway, or bring your blankets and lawn chairs for the spectacular...read more

April 6-December 14, 2012.  The Farmers’ Market at Poplar Grove is open every Wednesday from 8 AM to 1 PM. The Farmers’ Market provides a retail outlet for local growers and producers to sell their goods directly to the public. There is a large variety of vendors offering fresh eggs, herbs,...read more

August 14-15, 2012.  For 41 years, the Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival has been paying a tasty homage to the area’s local shrimping industry and the families that coincide. Always on the second weekend in August, the festival begins with a parade on Saturday at 10 A.M. at the corner of Old Folkstone...read more

April 6-December 14, 2012.  The Farmers’ Market at Poplar Grove is open every Wednesday from 8 AM to 1 PM. The Farmers’ Market provides a retail outlet for local growers and producers to sell their goods directly to the public. There is a large variety of vendors offering fresh eggs, herbs,...read more

September 25-26, 2012. The 48th Annual Spot Festival in Hampstead offers an opportunity to enjoy a dinner of spot, one of the area's best-tasting and most popular fish, along with generous helpings of cole slaw and hush puppies. The festival also has amusement rides, a variety of bands, and arts and crafts. Admission to...read more

September 18, 2012. The Annual Taste of Topsail is at the Assembly Building in Topsail Beach. Representatives from North Carolina wineries are on hand to pour samples of their nectar, with local restaurants providing the delectable hors d'oeuvres. Local artists exhibit their works and jazz music sets the mood. An entrance fee is charged and includes...read more

October 20-21, 2012.  Hosted by the Historical Society of Topsail Island, this fall festival features a juried Artists' Court with many regional artists displaying and selling their works. There is live music, a variety of food vendors, a beer and wine garden, and games, amusements and rides for kids. The Missiles and More Museum, housed in...read more

April 6-December 14, 2012.  The Farmers’ Market at Poplar Grove is open every Wednesday from 8 AM to 1 PM. The Farmers’ Market provides a retail outlet for local growers and producers to sell their goods directly to the public. There is a large variety of vendors offering fresh eggs, herbs,...read more

October 12-14, 2012; October 19-21, 2012. The Halloween Festival, held the last two weekends in October, is a popular and spooky event for the brave and faint-hearted alike. Planners guarantee that you will scream from the haunted barn, put on by the Topsail high school drama classes, and haunted hayride that...read more

April 6-December 14, 2012.  The Farmers’ Market at Poplar Grove is open every Wednesday from 8 AM to 1 PM. The Farmers’ Market provides a retail outlet for local growers and producers to sell their goods directly to the public. There is a large variety of vendors offering fresh eggs, herbs,...read more

November 27, 2012. Topsail Island's Holiday Boat Flotilla is a great way to add a little island vibe to the holiday season. The annual parade of decorated and lighted boats sails down the Intracoastal Waterway beginning in Surf City at the bridge and continuing past the south end of Topsail Beach. Revelers...read more

April 6-December 14, 2012.  The Farmers’ Market at Poplar Grove is open every Wednesday from 8 AM to 1 PM. The Farmers’ Market provides a retail outlet for local growers and producers to sell their goods directly to the public. There is a large variety of vendors offering fresh eggs, herbs,...read more

On December 2, 2012,  few places evoke the Southern charm of bygone days as well as Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, especially around the holidays. Decorated in Victorian style, the manor house will be aglow with an old-fashioned Christmas. This free afternoon is open to the public and you can expect hot...read more

December 10, 2012. For eighteen years, the folks of Sneads Ferry have been ushering in the holiday season with the annual Winter Fest. The Winter Fest takes place on December 9th and 10th and includes a tree-lighting ceremony, Christmas trees decorated by area clubs and a pancake breakfast with Santa Claus himself. There...read more